How does water pollution affect people?
Quick Answer
The most common effect of water pollution on human beings is disease. Drinking water contaminated by disease-carrying micro-organisms, also known as pathogens, cause various waterborne diseases, such as typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis and cholera.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Chemical pollutants, industrial waste deposits and toxic wastes can cause long-term health problems to humans, especially when they contaminate fish. Aquatic organisms, such as fish, may accidentally consume toxic substances, which is how the toxins get transferred into the human body.
Health conditions that may result from drinking water laced with chemicals or toxic wastes include organ failure, physical deformities and even death.
The presence of Escherichia coli bacteria, commonly known as E. coli, in a water source is an indication of the presence human or animal waste matter in the water. This bacteria is a type of fecal coliform bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. Drinking water that contains E. coli bacteria may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches and nausea. Young children and elderly people may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of E. coli because their immune systems are delicate.
Polluted water is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquito bites can affect human health and cause diseases, such as malaria and dengue.
Learn more about PollutionRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are some ways to prevent water pollution?
A: To prevent water pollution, avoid overwatering lawns and gardens, use native plants that require less water, and apply natural fertilizers that retain wate... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is industrial pollution?
A: Industrial pollution is the contamination of the environment by businesses, particularly plants and factories, that dump waste products into the air and wa... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is marine pollution?
A: Marine pollution refers to a range of threats from land-based sources, and it generally involves contamination of bodies of water such as rivers, streams a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the effects of solid waste management?
A: Proper solid waste management reduces health risks to the public and lessens adverse environmental impacts, such as air, water and land pollution. Some gen... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
How many people are killed by tigers each year?
-
Q:
Why do some people have dual citizenship in the USA and another country?
-
Q:
How do I transfer money to people online through Bank of America?
-
Q:
Is it legal to print social stories from other people?
-
Q:
Why does it get harder for people to lose weight as they age?
-
Q:
How many people are in the whole world?
